The 2022 season brought marked progress on the gridiron for many Monroe County football squads. With the highly-anticipated return of coach Ed Holly, the Coral Shores Hurricanes enjoyed their most successful season in recent memory, posting their highest win percentage in nearly 10 years. Halfway down the Keys, the Marathon Dolphins’ 5-4 record secured the team’s first winning season since 2017. And in the Southernmost City, the Key West Conchs fed off many individual standout performances as the team won their Keys rivalry match against the Hurricanes and faced stiff competition from some of Florida’s elite squads.
With so many solid players deserving of recognition, the decisions throughout these next pages weren’t easy. But for the first time, the Keys Weekly Newspapers are proud to present the 2022 Keys Weekly All-Keys Football Team.
MVP
Malachi Hawkins, RB
Senior, Marathon
“His teammates fed off his toughness and determination. Malachi absolutely left a positive legacy at MHS.”
– coach Mac Childress
Graced with both size and speed, Hawkins was a threat every time he touched the ball. It often took a team effort to bring down the 6’1”, 200-pound running back. Many of his touchdowns were scored late in games, after he wore down the opposing team’s defense with his athleticism and refusal to quit. In just nine games, Hawkins had an incredible 186 carries for 1,839 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns plus a passing touchdown, averaging 204 yards per game.
Defensive Player of the Year
Xavyer Arrington, DL
Senior, Coral Shores
“He has the best first step I have ever seen. He takes over the game at the DT position. No one will be able to fill his shoes.”
– coach Ed Holly
Arrington is a recognizable force the moment he steps onto the field. His incredible stats speak for themselves: Arrington amassed 64 tackles, 23 of them for a loss, plus 19 assists, 19.5 sacks, one touchdown, one fumble recovery, 28 pressures, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, three blocked punts and two blocked PATs. Arrington was consistently dependable and dominant for the ’Canes.
Lineman of the Year
Christopher Andre Otto, OT/DL
Senior, Key West
“Andre is a freak athlete with great feet. He is the best drive blocker I have ever coached.”
– coach Johnny Hughes
An all-around phenomenal athlete, prior to the 2022 football season Otto wrestled, played lacrosse and ran the 200 in track, making him strong enough to handle the best defensive lineman but athletic enough to get to the fastest defensive backs. His superior athleticism has caught the attention of more than 20 top colleges, from the Ivies to Power 5 programs. He made an impact everywhere he played on the field and is described as having a great work ethic and high character.
Special Teams Player of the Year
Eddie Holly, LB
Sophomore, Coral Shores
“Eddie was 100% on all snaps this season. He can snap the ball 15 yards in less than a second.”
– coach Ed Holly
Just a sophomore, Eddie Holly did double duty, playing linebacker and serving as the team’s long snapper. He amassed 48 tackles, 21 assists, three sacks, 11 tackles for losses, an interception, three forced fumbles, 24 pressures, four pass breakups and a fumble recovery. He added 21 pancake blocks on offense and maintained a perfect long snapping record, making him a true asset to his team.
Offensive Player of the Year
Chuck Jacobsen, RB
Senior, Coral Shores
“He could single-handedly take over the game. Any time you needed a first down he would get it.” – coach Ed Holly
Described as the most determined player on the team, Jacobsen was the go-to man for the Hurricanes when the game was on the line. “If it’s 4th and 1 for the game, you cannot wait to give the ball to Chuck,” said head coach Ed Holly. Jacobsen accumulated 1,268 yards and 16 touchdowns rushing this season, plus five catches for 54 yards and a touchdown reception, giving him 1,322 all-purpose yards and 17 total touchdowns.
OFFENSE
Yemcel Moreno, QB
Sophomore, Coral Shores
Described by his coach as a “great kid and even better player,” Moreno has a great future ahead of him. He led the Hurricanes to an 8-3 record this season, rushing 52 times for 540 yards and nine touchdowns. He was 32 for 63 through the air with 575 yards, six touchdowns, and just two interceptions.
John Holly, OL
Senior, Coral Shores
Dubbed the Iron Man of the ’Canes, Holly’s ability to pull and run for downfield blocks enabled the Coral Shores offense to be successful. The 6-foot-5-inch 285-pound senior tackle always gave 100% effort, improving every week while he anchored the Coral Shores offensive line. He recorded 21 pancake blocks over the span of the season.
Isaac Holmes, WR
Junior, Coral Shores
As Coral Shores’ premier offensive target, Holmes was able to pull down passes in heavy coverage and used his size to tack on extra yardage on the run. Described as a very talented player, Holmes has consistently produced on the field for the ’Canes on Friday nights.
Tanner Ross, OL
Sophomore, Marathon
As smart as he is athletic, Ross’ ability to understand offensive blocking schemes and make the right blocking call for the Fins made him an asset to his team. Ross was flawless in his snaps this season and played every single offensive down.
Franz Noel, OL
Senior, Marathon
In his first year of varsity football, Noel became a crucial player for the Fins. In the single wing offense, the outside tackle position is called the “tip of the spear.” Noel capitalized on his deadly combination of speed and strength to tear holes into the opposing team’s defense, providing big opportunities for Marathon to score.
Carlos Lezcano, WR
Sophomore, Marathon
Lezcano’s ability to block from his position allowed the Marathon offense to rush for more than 3,000 yards this season. Even from the wide receiver position, Lezcano was a threat on the ground. In just seven games played, Lezcano had 19 carries for 226 yards and three rushing touchdowns.
James Reynolds, RB
Senior, Key West
Described as a workhorse, Reynolds dealt with injuries but was able to turn it on by the end of the season. At over 200 pounds, he runs a sub-11-second 100 meter dash, giving him the speed to elude tackles. Reynolds had 149 carries for 831 yards with 11 touchdowns on the ground and one reception for seven yards in just seven games played this season.
Ralph Richie, OL
Junior, Key West
Participating in wrestling last year has helped Richie develop his skills on the gridiron, making him a better athlete all around. He is dependable, has a strong work ethic and loves practice and the weight room. Richie has a lot of potential and Coach Hughes expects huge things from him next season.
DEFENSE
Aaron Dolton, DL
Senior, Marathon
Dolton started on offense, defense and special teams for the Fins. He had a solid pass rush, doing an excellent job keeping the quarterback in the pocket and locking down receivers in coverage when asked. In just nine games played, Dolton amassed 15 total tackles (11 solo) and three tackles for a loss.
Thomas Eubank, LB
Senior, Marathon
The leader of Marathon’s defense, Eubank played middle linebacker, a role which required him to make a majority of the team’s tackles. Eubank used his size and speed to not only make tackles at the line of scrimmage but also to chase receivers downfield. He had 30 total tackles, 18 of which were in one game, 19 solo tackles and two for a loss.
Shamar Wright, DB
Freshman, Marathon
Fast and athletic, Wright excelled in pass coverage, locking down any receiver he was assigned to. His 12 total tackles, 10 of which were solos, do not speak to his abilities as the coverage he applied neutralized the other team’s receivers, negating the threat to the Fins’ defense. Only a freshman, Wright has the potential to be a game changer on both offense and defense.
Kevon Mills, DB
Senior, Key West
A dynamic defensive player, Mills played corner the past two seasons. This year, his ability to lock down the other team’s best receiver paid dividends for the Conchs.
Te’von Watson, DL
Sophomore, Key West
The sky’s the limit for the Conchs’ defensive lineman. Watson brought size, speed and athleticism to the D-line this season and added a lot of pressure from the edge.
Jacob Lavallee, LB
Senior, Key West
A three-year starter, Lavallee has been the leading tackler for the Conchs in as many years. The fast, physical linebacker captained the Conchs’ defense this season.
Elijah Palmisciano, LB
Senior, Coral Shores
Described as a tough and aggressive player who consistently performed on Friday nights, Palmisciano is regarded as one of the hardest, most physical players in the Hurricanes’ defensive unit. Palmisciano had 48 tackles this season, three of which were for a loss. Additionally, he forced two fumbles and had a fumble recovery.
Derek Smith, DB
Senior, Coral Shores
Smith secured Coral Shores’ safety position, constantly making explosive plays at the most opportune times. He had 11 tackles and 12 pass breakups this season.
